December 24, 2011

The Number of Interactive Kiosks in Operation will Nearly Double to Three Million by 2016

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec 19, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As companies in a range of industries seek to reduce costs, increase revenue opportunities, and improve customer service, they are increasingly turning to interactive kiosks as an additional channel to enable their customers with self-service options. The number of interactive kiosks in operation will rise from approximately 1.6 million deployed in 2011 to nearly three million deployed globally by 2016.

"The self-service technology trend has been occurring for several years, with consumers increasingly seeking greater convenience in the channels that they choose to utilize," says Sam Lucero, practice director, M2M connectivity. "At the center of this self-service technology trend are interactive kiosks. Kiosks are not a new channel by any means, but consumers worldwide have grown more accustomed to using them for everything from self- checkout in the supermarket to checking in for their flight at an airport."

Interactive kiosks are having a particular impact on the following seven market segments:

While the interactive kiosk market is expected to grow strongly over the next five years, there remain challenges to address. "Interactive kiosks in various segments, such as healthcare, can face challenges regarding consumer acceptance, channel conflict with other means of interacting with the consumer, and with automated customer service not meeting a desired level of personalized support," says Lucero.

The report forms part of ABI Research's M2M Research Service ( http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/MM_Research_Service ).

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research's worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com , or call +1.516.624.2500.